Aparajita

(Butterfly Pea)
Sanskrit: अपराजिता • Botanical: Clitoria ternatea Linn.

Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea), the Butterfly Pea, is a well-known climbing plant with distinctive blue or white flowers. The text describes both white-flowered (Shveta Aparajita) and blue-flowered varieties. The root is the most important medicinal part, known as a Medhya (brain tonic) herb. It is classified among the four Medhya Rasayanas by Acharya Charaka. The root powder is used to improve memory and intellect. It is also used for skin diseases, fevers, and as an antidote to various poisons. The seeds have purgative and anti-parasitic properties. The text notes that some scholars have confused this plant with Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), but they are different entities. Evolvulus alsinoides is also mentioned as 'Vishnukranta' by some authorities.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya), Pungent (Katu)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Kaempferol glycosides, Taraxerol, Aparajitin
Also Known As
English: Butterfly Pea, Winged-leaved Clitoria
Sanskrit: अपराजिता, विष्णुक्रान्ता, गिरिकर्णिका, शंखपुष्पी
Hindi: अपराजिता, कोयल, गोकर्णी

What is Aparajita / Butterfly Pea (अपराजिता / शंखपुष्पी)?

Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea), the Butterfly Pea, is a well-known climbing plant with distinctive blue or white flowers. The text describes both white-flowered (Shveta Aparajita) and blue-flowered varieties. The root is the most important medicinal part, known as a Medhya (brain tonic) herb. It is classified among the four Medhya Rasayanas by Acharya Charaka. The root powder is used to improve memory and intellect. It is also used for skin diseases, fevers, and as an antidote to various poisons. The seeds have purgative and anti-parasitic properties. The text notes that some scholars have confused this plant with Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), but they are different entities. Evolvulus alsinoides is also mentioned as 'Vishnukranta' by some authorities.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Medhya (nootropic/brain tonic)
  • Vishaghna (antidote to poison)
  • Kusthaghna (anti-dermatosis)
  • Jvarghna (antipyretic)
  • Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Aparajita by Condition

Explore how Aparajita is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Aparajita for Brain Fog & Memory

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.